Who can take part?

Adults aged 18 or over with some acting or performance experience - professional, amateur, student or returning after time away. These aren’t introductory acting classes. If you’re unsure whether they’re suitable, contact us.

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Do I need interactive theatre experience?

No. You can join with experience from other forms of acting or performance.

We’ll introduce the fictional circumstances and activities you’ll be working with.

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Do I need to be good at improvisation?

No previous improvisation training is needed. You’ll have prompts, support and opportunities to try exercises again. You won’t be expected to invent something instantly.

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​What’s the difference between The Retinue Sessions and Interactive Theatre Workshops?

Retinue Sessions are shorter workshops exploring spontaneous performance, character and connection through practical exercises and scenes.

Interactive Theatre Workshops are longer sessions exploring sustained characters, shared fictional worlds and direct audience involvement.

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What do you mean by interactive theatre?

Performance in which audiences can interact directly with characters within a fictional world.

They might ask questions, offer help or become involved in what happens. Performers respond as their characters while supporting the shared story.

We use the word Guests for audience members participating in that world.

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Is this comedy improvisation?

Our focus is character and connection. Scenes can be funny, serious, awkward, quiet or surprising.

You won’t be expected to produce jokes or quick answers. We’re interested in responses that come from the encounter.

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Will I have to learn a script?

Our workshops centre on unscripted encounters.

You may be given character details, relationships or information about a fictional situation. Any preparation required will be explained before the session.

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Will there be an audience?

Retinue Sessions focus on working with fellow participants.

Interactive Theatre Workshops explore audience involvement. Participants may take on the role of Guests during exercises. Any involvement of invited Guests will be explained in the workshop information.

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Who facilitates the workshops?

David Claridge, founder of Insolent Retinue, draws on around fifteen years of experience in murder mystery and immersive performance.

David provides situations, prompts and challenges, helping performers explore and reflect on what they create together.

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Where and when do workshops take place?

We’re preparing our next programme in Birmingham for 2027.

Dates, venue details, session lengths and prices will be published when booking opens.

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Do I need to book a whole course?

Booking arrangements will be clearly stated for each event, including whether you’re booking an individual session or a series.

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What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and footwear that allow you to move freely, and bring water.

We’ll let you know in advance if a particular workshop needs anything else.

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Can I discuss access requirements before booking?

Yes. Please contact us about anything that would help you participate.

We can discuss the workshop activities, venue information and possible adjustments before you decide whether to book.

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Will training lead to paid acting work?

Our sessions and workshops offer a space to develop your practice. Booking sessions or workshops does not guarantee auditions, representation or paid work.

Any performance opportunities will be communicated separately, with their own requirements and selection arrangements.

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Can you run a workshop for my company or cast?

Yes. We can discuss bespoke workshops exploring character, spontaneous performance, ensemble work and audience interaction.

Contact us with some information about your performers and what you’d like to explore. We’ll discuss an approach and provide a quote covering preparation and delivery.

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How can I hear when booking opens?

Register your interest to receive news of the 2027 workshop programme.​​

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